Price of Groceries in Florida

[Greg Nelson]

Food prices here are MUCH higher than up north in Minnesota. And I mean everything!

[bonrich]

We do agree! We are from NYS about 75 miles SW of Buffalo. Groceries here are a larger part of our monthly budget. What helps here is the lower gas prices.

[Greg Nelson]

gas is even higher! We are currently in Key Largo and it seems the further south the worst it gets. Bread, milk, eggs, meat and even oranges! The only thing cheap is labor..

[jblum315]

Of course grocery prices are higher. Florida is a third world country.

[Topspinmo]

Course they are higher in Key Largo. Everything shipped even further and they got you way down.:bigbow: I find Prices higher in the villages compared to where I came from. But, planned for that. Still cheaper to buy Groceries than eat out all the time. :popcorn:

[CassieInVa]

We agree. We just arrived from just outside Washington D.C. and food prices here are a lot more. Wondering what options we have in addition to Public and Winn Dixie.

[NYGUY]

Food prices here are MUCH higher than up north in Minnesota. And I mean everything!

So is the temperature....I will take that trade off anyday!!

[rhsgypsylady]

For those that complain that food, gas, etc. is higher than where they came from, then I say go back to where you came from. From where you came there was probably a state income tax; there is none in FL. One can't have everything. Be happy for what you've got - you could be living on the streets and not know where you next meal will come from.

[texasfal]

We agree. We just arrived from just outside Washington D.C. and food prices here are a lot more. Wondering what options we have in addition to Public and Winn Dixie.

Addis and Walmart are cheaper.

[texasfal]

That's supposed to Aldi's.

[fred53]

Nah....things are pretty equal to Maine prices...

[jbdlfan]

If you shop wisely, watch the ads, use coupons, you can buy groceries just as cheap as up north. We buy at Publix for BOGO with coupons, buy much of our fresh stuff roadside or markets and buy meats when on sale. Of course, it takes time to plan and such, but well worth it.

[tomwed]

How much a week do you spent on food? This would not include alcohol or paper goods. According to the International Business Times (http://www.ibtimes.com/us-spends-less-food-any-other-country-world-maps-1546945) the average American spends $43/week. If I read it correctly.
That's about what I spend but I buy cheaper cuts of meat and hardly any processed food.

[tomwed]

We agree. We just arrived from just outside Washington D.C. and food prices here are a lot more. Wondering what options we have in addition to Public and Winn Dixie.
Aldi's and Save A Lot
watch the sales at Fresh Market too

[Wandatime]

We use coupons and don't buy a lot of processed food. We spend about $100 a week on just food. That is for two people, three meals a day, and we rarely eat out when in Virginia. That is close to tomwed's $43 a week per person.

When we are in Florida, we eat breakfast, several times a week a late lunch at a restaurant for our big meal, because it is cheaper to eat out at lunch than dinner, followed by a tiny dinner, usually leftovers from lunch or an apple/nut butter or cheese/cracker combo.

Seems to cost about the same due to the changes in our eating patterns. That includes the restaurant ticket.

[rdhdleo]

For those that complain that food, gas, etc. is higher than where they came from, then I say go back to where you came from. From where you came there was probably a state income tax; there is none in FL. One can't have everything. Be happy for what you've got - you could be living on the streets and not know where you next meal will come from.

Wow kinda rude in my opinion! People have a valid grip about food costs here and have the right to voice a complaint. Doesn't mean they don't still love it here. Yes it's a trade off on a lot of things but Publix especially is very high especially the deli section which is outrageous! When I want high quality meat I go to Fresh Market and watch their sales you'll find they're cheaper than Publix and better quality. When I want really good meat we take a day drive to St. Pete, visit the coast and shop at Mazzuros Italian Market. Best bakery, meats and cheeses and deli anywhere!. Also watch Winn Dixie ads. We have no sales tax on food which means you have to just learn to shop smart :)

[perrjojo]

Groceries may be more but how does the price of your home compare? Il bet it is a lot less than up north.

[kcrazorbackfan]

For those that complain that food, gas, etc. is higher than where they came from, then I say go back to where you came from. From where you came there was probably a state income tax; there is none in FL. One can't have everything. Be happy for what you've got - you could be living on the streets and not know where you next meal will come from.

:BigApplause: :agree:

More tee times and less traffic.......:coolsmiley::coolsmiley:

[NIPAS K-9]

we agree. We just arrived from just outside washington d.c. And food prices here are a lot more. Wondering what options we have in addition to public and winn dixie.
walmart

[Bonny]

We like to eat early. I can't do a big meal when it gets late. Most of the time we like to get smaller meals.
I like Longhorn. When I do go, I like to order a filet. Flo's filet for lunch, is $17.49. For dinner, is $19.49.

[Rango]

We agree. We just arrived from just outside Washington D.C. and food prices here are a lot more. Wondering what options we have in addition to Public and Winn Dixie.

Home prices and taxes are 1/2 here, what there are in the Wash. metro area. You can by a lot of food with the money you saved.

[sunnyatlast]

Grocery bills are highly subjective and they depend on how much you eat, and whether planning, cooking, eating and cleaning up after 3 meals are the main priority of the day.

Also, there are other mitigating factors that are more favorable here.

From this Map of State Income Tax, it looks like Minnesota runs neck and neck with Oregon for the No. 2 ranking in the nation, second only to California.

Top State Income Tax Rates in 2014 | Tax Foundation (http://taxfoundation.org/blog/top-state-income-tax-rates-2014)

This map showing The Real Value of $100 for Each State shows MN and FL as having equal buying power:

The Real Value of $100 in Each State | Tax Foundation (http://taxfoundation.org/blog/real-value-100-each-state)

On this map of Median Property Taxes Paid by County Nationwide, the northern 2/3 of Florida is lower, and our particular area looks among the lowest.

Median Property Taxes Paid by County, 2005-09 | Tax Foundation (http://taxfoundation.org/article/median-property-taxes-paid-county-2005-09)

[billethkid]

Home prices and taxes are 1/2 here, what there are in the Wash. metro area. You can by a lot of food with the money you saved.
Thank you for the sanity check.

To really be accurate about where is more or less expensive than some where else, you just have to take into account all the expenses of the areas being compared.

When all gets said and done all locations need revenues. They all get it in differing ways. And when all added up, my experience over the years....there just isn't that much difference in the cost of living. Of course there are exceptions!!

[Bavarian]

Groceries may be more but how does the price of your home compare? Il bet it is a lot less than up north.

Depends on your house. But our house up North does not have a swimming pool. (Have another offer, but not good)

[Bavarian]

We agree. We just arrived from just outside Washington D.C. and food prices here are a lot more. Wondering what options we have in addition to Public and Winn Dixie.

We moved here awhile back from Southern Maryland, 60 miles SE of DC. Food prices here same as at our old residence.

Also, Real Estate Taxes less. Why, Every property reassessed every three years, county divided up in three. If higher, assessed values raised by 1/3 of increase every year. Here, the new sales at higher prices pay more always.

[newguyintv]

Food prices here are MUCH higher than up north in Minnesota. And I mean everything!

Who wants to be in Minnesota?

[newguyintv]

Who wants to be in Minnesota? It's -30 degrees there!

[rubicon]

Who wants to be in Minnesota?

newguyintv: I moved down from Minneapolis area in 2006. I can tell you the Minneapolis area is a wonderful and very clean area and very family oriented . Yes the winters are cold but its a dry cold and the people there celebrate winter. They have Winter Carnival that lasts for 30 days. They have four major sports teams Their skywalk system is a city within itself.

I didn't move here because of the weather I moved because of the tax situation. If taxes were more in line with Florida then my response to your question " Who wants to be in Minnesota" would be me .

Personal Best Regards

[Sandtrap328]

newguyintv: I moved down from Minneapolis area in 2006. I can tell you the Minneapolis area is a wonderful and very clean area and very family oriented . Yes the winters are cold but its a dry cold and the people there celebrate winter. They have Winter Carnival that lasts for 30 days. They have four major sports teams Their skywalk system is a city within itself.

I didn't move here because of the weather I moved because of the tax situation. If taxes were more in line with Florida then my response to your question " Who wants to be in Minnesota" would be me .

Personal Best Regards

I also grew up in Minneapolis and lived not too far from Lake Nokomis. Great place but freakin' cold in the winter. I enjoyed the cold and snow. I then spent about 40 years in the 'burbs of Washington DC. The wet cold was not colder in temperature but felt colder. I like Florida a whole lot more than DC or Minneapolis and would NEVER move back to either place.

Taxes are a heck of a lot cheaper here. Food prices are a little higher but it is sure saved in taxes.

[JAV0108]

As a permanent resident of The Villages, I find that grocery prices are higher during snowbird/renters season than during the rest of the year. Also, Publix can't seem to keep things in stock during "snowbird" season. I shop many places to get the best prices as was said in many of the previous posts. I cook a lot and don't eat out very much. All that being said, I am also from Minnesota and would NEVER go back to live there and love, love love it here, so I will pay more and I will put up with "snowbird" season's shortages. Love you all Villagers, even the snowbirds and the renters. xoxoxo

[geri317]

Prices in the grocery stores are higher during season. We get fantastic buys and lower prices during the summer months.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I saw that chart that compared PA with FL and it looked pretty much even, however that took the whole state into account. I was from some strange inexpensive pocket of PA that was very cheap to live. I shopped in Amish/Mennonite markets that had fruit and vegetables at insanely low prices and I was very grateful that I could get fresh food at such a low price. I knew food would be more expensive here but I wasn't prepared for exactly how much more it would be and yes, it was a HUGE shock to see how much more I had to pay for it. That doesn't mean that I'd rather go back up north and deal with all that encompasses. I am full time and love it here, however I don't have to love the higher prices and I don't have to have a 'love it or leave it' feeling that is 100% in ever aspect of TV. I can miss the lower prices, especially since my household income is drastically reduced in retirement. I am still grateful for how wonderful life is here in all the sunshine and fun. Doesn't mean I don't find ways to compensate and find less expensive food choices. Doesn't mean I don't miss the 25cent packages of organic spinach I used to buy or the $2.99 lb fresh made cheese I used to find back home.

[CFrance]

newguyintv: I moved down from Minneapolis area in 2006. I can tell you the Minneapolis area is a wonderful and very clean area and very family oriented . Yes the winters are cold but its a dry cold and the people there celebrate winter. They have Winter Carnival that lasts for 30 days. They have four major sports teams Their skywalk system is a city within itself.

I didn't move here because of the weather I moved because of the tax situation. If taxes were more in line with Florida then my response to your question " Who wants to be in Minnesota" would be me .

Personal Best Regards
We almost moved to Minneapolis once, but the job fell through. I have never met anyone from there who didn't love it. I have also found, from living in MI, that the natives are more used to the cold than we transferees.

Back to my original reason to go off topic: It's just not nice to dis anyone else's home, family, or sports teams, not necessarily in that order.

[Jgg7933]

We see virtually NO difference in price shopping for Groceries here vs. Columbus, GA (our previous home). We shopped in Publix there and here. Prices are basically the same here as there. We are very frugal shoppers and typically shop the Buy one Get one FREE deals. So 6 hrs North of here Grocery prices are about The Same.

[Bruiser1]

Food prices here are MUCH higher than up north in Minnesota. And I mean everything!

WELL of course it is ! Do You think they have Coburns, Cashwise Cub foods here?

But never ( I mean NEVER) ask a NY ER WHAT IS A WEGMANS!:bigbow:

[NYGUY]

....But never ( I mean NEVER) ask a NY ER WHAT IS A WEGMANS!:bigbow:

That is correct Sir, because we will cut you off at the knees...:bigbow:...LOL...:bigbow:

[Bryant]

I agree; very rude. I can't stand it when you complain about something and you are told to go back to where you came or just leave TV.

[DougB]

Soup kitchen has some good deals.

[CassieInVa]

Thanks for the suggestions. As for the rude comment about going back where we came from, not a great example of Florida's friendliest home town.

I love it here. Arrived a week ago and bought a home yesterday and will live here full time. My comment agreeing with OP about the the prices being higher here was an accurate observation and I asked for suggestions and alternatives to Publix and Winn Dixie. And of course some things might cost more in other areas, but that wasn't the observation that the OP was making.

We will try Wal-Mart and Aldi. Another difference is that in the DC Metro area, grocery stores all double a coupons value, which I found is not the case here. So I just need to be creative in figuring out the grocery budget.

[mtdjed]

Amazing how the original poster made an observation about food prices at food markets where they come from versus TV and it almost erupts into a war. Taxes, home prices, insults etc. They offered an opinion about market food prices, not taxes, not home prices, or any thing else.

[dellapus]

Yes I also feel the same way. the price here is more expensive than in other places.

http://amburadul101.tk/98/o.png

[Allegiance]

The food prices here seem higher than the NYC suburbs. Stores like Pathmark and Walbaums are cheaper and have better sales. I would like to hear a rational reason. Rents, labor and electricity are cheaper in Florida.....

Of course other things are cheaper and better here, but that is off topic.

[Greg Nelson]

Wow! I started something here! As to Minnesota there is 4 decent months and where we live in the lake country it is beautiful THEN and a perfect time to drive in my 2003 Thunderbird 'Black Beauty' with the top down. My only sibling a retired doc living in Melbourne, Fl told me to move here as there is no income tax. I told him so what? I don't have any income anyway! Yesterday we drove to Key West for the day and I gave my neighbor here in Key Largo $5 to pick up some heritage tomatoes at 'Robert is here' in Homestead. I got 2 of them! But as they say, 'Happy wife, happy life'..Jane loves TV and can do enough yoga to never get off her mat. So it looks like 6 months next year renting at Quail Ridge. Thanks to all who posted!

[Madelaine Amee]

It takes a while to learn your way around TV and the surrounding area. When we first moved here I was really surprised at how few choices in markets was available, but over time things have changed dramatically.

I shop at Publix, Fresh Market, Aldi's, WalMart, Sam's and sometimes WinDixie, and let's not forget we have the Market of Marion and a Farmer's Market right here in Spanish Springs and one at Brownwood.

I like Publix because it is clean and they have just about everything I need, however I do not shop there exclusively.

Fresh Market has excellent sales. If you log into their website you will see where you can get information daily on their sales. Their Tuesday ground chuck and chicken breast for $2.99 lb cannot be beat, and the quality is the best - they also do a whole cooked chicken with a whole apple pie for $9.99 on Tuesday. They have specials every day. But one of the best is their two cooked chickens for $12.00 every weekend.

I shop Aldi's on 441 for basics and vegetables, their prices are very reasonable. Worth a visit to check them out.

Our WalMart is probably the best I have ever shopped. Their produce is very good and their prices are excellent.

WinDixie once in a while for their good sales.

Sam's for great prices and because we don't have a Costco's.

I am centrally located and can get to all these stores without having to travel too far, and I am certainly not out shopping every day, I am trying to make the point that there are various shopping venues available to us in this immediate area.

[DougB]

Florida ranks fifth in the price of food in the US, coming after Hawaii, Alaska, Mississippi, and Tennessee

[CFrance]

The food prices here seem higher than the NYC suburbs. Stores like Pathmark and Walbaums are cheaper and have better sales. I would like to hear a rational reason. Rents, labor and electricity are cheaper in Florida.....

Of course other things are cheaper and better here, but that is off topic.
Usually higher food prices result when there is a lack of competition--i.e., the fewer the food wholesalers, the higher the price of food due to the lack of competition. Despite the high prices on everything we encountered living in NJ, the food was cheaper due to the many wholesalers around, creating stiffer competition than we found in Pittsburgh and moreso in west Michigan, where there were only two main wholesalers.

[onslowe]

It takes a while to learn your way around TV and the surrounding area. When we first moved here I was really surprised at how few choices in markets was available, but over time things have changed dramatically.

I shop at Publix, Fresh Market, Aldi's, WalMart, Sam's and sometimes WinDixie, and let's not forget we have the Market of Marion and a Farmer's Market right here in Spanish Springs and one at Brownwood.

I like Publix because it is clean and they have just about everything I need, however I do not shop there exclusively.

Fresh Market has excellent sales. If you log into their website you will see where you can get information daily on their sales. Their Tuesday ground chuck and chicken breast for $2.99 lb cannot be beat, and the quality is the best - they also do a whole cooked chicken with a whole apple pie for $9.99 on Tuesday. They have specials every day. But one of the best is their two cooked chickens for $12.00 every weekend.

I shop Aldi's on 441 for basics and vegetables, their prices are very reasonable. Worth a visit to check them out.

Our WalMart is probably the best I have ever shopped. Their produce is very good and their prices are excellent.

WinDixie once in a while for their good sales.

Sam's for great prices and because we don't have a Costco's.

I am centrally located and can get to all these stores without having to travel too far, and I am certainly not out shopping every day, I am trying to make the point that there are various shopping venues available to us in this immediate area.

What a great sensible post. Thanks for providing positive and helpful thoughts on this topic.

One note - I am from eastern Long Island. The Wal-Marts there were terrible. Here, and especially on 466, it is a pleasure and a money saving trip with quality foods. And as to Fresh Market, well, that's just excellent and fun. Love their meat and their specialty foods.

Someone above said it well. Shop wisely. It works.

I wouldn't trade TV for anywhere else. I'm here and love it and feel blessed. I do not waste my time looking for places where 'the grass is greener,' or looking only for negatives, real or baseless.

[tomwed]

Florida ranks fifth in the price of food in the US, coming after Hawaii, Alaska, Mississippi, and Tennessee
Where did you find that report? I can't seem to put the right keywords together. I understand why Hawaii and Alaska are high but not the others.

[UpNorth]

Alaska? Freezing cold plus high food prices! And some will complain about Minnesota! If I were forced to live in Alaska, I would probably live on a diet of fresh salmon. Must be a bargain up there.

[DougB]

Where did you find that report? I can't seem to put the right keywords together. I understand why Hawaii and Alaska are high but not the others.

Here
8 States with the Highest Food Costs (http://wallstcheatsheet.com/business/8-states-with-the-highest-food-costs.html/?a=viewall)

[jblum315]

That report explains it quite well

[2BNTV]

I find food prices to be slightly higher and it needs to be compensated for by shopping more wisely. Shopping wisely will keep one's expenditures to a reasonable level.

I am more concerned about finding the items I need, and in the quality, that I like.

I don't find food to be a large part of my budget and I need to do more pushaways, from the dinner table. :smiley:

[Greg Nelson]

I'd never have found that report, or the cost saving ideas, thank-you! My new and good friend here in Key Largo,Charlie bought a pineapple that cost $5 and was hard as a rock. Back in Minnesota, where they are not even grown it would be $3! My other concern for next year is finding someone like Charlie who'll be a best friend. Sure, all the TV people I met in December where friendly enough to say hi, but...The area we rent in is people much older than us. I guess I'll have to work on it. :spoken:

[DougB]

I'd never have found that report, or the cost saving ideas, thank-you! My new and good friend here in Key Largo,Charlie bought a pineapple that cost $5 and was hard as a rock. Back in Minnesota, where they are not even grown it would be $3! My other concern for next year is finding someone like Charlie who'll be a best friend. Sure, all the TV people I met in December where friendly enough to say hi, but...The area we rent in is people much older than us. I guess I'll have to work on it. :spoken:

Old people need friends, too.:icon_wink:

[Greg Nelson]

Carol the lady next door is very nice. And I do 'visit' with some of the older people but did not find a regularfriend. But, like my dad used to say 'the hardest person there is to live with is yourself' so I'll have to work on it.

[PaPaLarry]

I look at it this way. If you can afford to be in Florida in the winter time, you can afford the groceries!!! Instead of groceries, we should be complaining about the rise in prices, for those who have Comcast!! This months bill, went up 10.00????? I mean wow, without even telling us.

[janmcn]

With the price of gas hovering around $2.00 per gallon, all groceries that are shipped should be coming down. The stores can raise prices in a heartbeat when fuel prices go up, but never seem to get around to lowering them when their costs go down.

[NYGUY]

With the price of gas hovering around $2.00 per gallon, all groceries that are shipped should be coming down. The stores can raise prices in a heartbeat when fuel prices go up, but never seem to get around to lowering them when their costs go down.

Good point!!

[gomoho]

I am in the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia and paid $2.00 for Florida strawberries today - just curious how much they are at Publix?

[theorem painter]

I am in the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia and paid $2.00 for Florida strawberries today - just curious how much they are at Publix?

A lot more than $2.00 I am sure. Last Saturday in Brownwood they were $5.00 a quart.

[janmcn]

I am in the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia and paid $2.00 for Florida strawberries today - just curious how much they are at Publix?

This week at Publix, Florida strawberries are $2.99 for a pint. They get cheaper as the season progresses, and by the end of the season, in March, they are usually 3 pints for $5.00.

[gomoho]

Isn't it bizarre they are cheaper here than in Florida where they are grown. I don't understand it.

[missypie]

This week at Publix, Florida strawberries are $2.99 for a pint. They get cheaper as the season progresses, and by the end of the season, in March, they are usually 3 pints for $5.00.

I am in Michigan now and 16oz. Pk of strawberries were 1.88 at Kroger. Last week at Vince and Joes they were $1.10 per pack.

[Shimpy]

I agree; very rude. I can't stand it when you complain about something and you are told to go back to where you came or just leave TV.

What's more rude, telling someone to go back where they came from if they don't like it here, or someone dissing our home state where many of us were born or grew up in and are very proud of? We're tired of hearing how everything "up north" like restaurants, bagels, pizzas, chinese food etc is so much better. I'm sure if I went "up north" and complained about everything and talked about how everything down south was much better you'd tell me to go back where I came from. I could complain about the cornbread, fried catfish and grits but I have more class than that when in another part of our country. Think about it. You moved here by your own choice, 1000 miles or more south and you expect it to be just as it was "up north"????? Don't belittle our state just because it is not the same as "up north" and that is how we like it.

[Loudoll]

Grocery bills are highly subjective and they depend on how much you eat, and whether planning, cooking, eating and cleaning up after 3 meals are the main priority of the day.

Also, there are other mitigating factors that are more favorable here.

From this Map of State Income Tax, it looks like Minnesota runs neck and neck with Oregon for the No. 2 ranking in the nation, second only to California.

Top State Income Tax Rates in 2014 | Tax Foundation (http://taxfoundation.org/blog/top-state-income-tax-rates-2014)

This map showing The Real Value of $100 for Each State shows MN and FL as having equal buying power:

The Real Value of $100 in Each State | Tax Foundation (http://taxfoundation.org/blog/real-value-100-each-state)

On this map of Median Property Taxes Paid by County Nationwide, the northern 2/3 of Florida is lower, and our particular area looks among the lowest.

Median Property Taxes Paid by County, 2005-09 | Tax Foundation (http://taxfoundation.org/article/median-property-taxes-paid-county-2005-09)

KY shows 6% but it doesn't matter because retirement, SS, isn't taxed.

[Greg Nelson]

If you rent OR live here it is obvious that you need to price shop. I think the pricing here has something to do with tourists.

[Madelaine Amee]

What's more rude, telling someone to go back where they came from if they don't like it here, or someone dissing our home state where many of us were born or grew up in and are very proud of? We're tired of hearing how everything "up north" like restaurants, bagels, pizzas, chinese food etc is so much better. I'm sure if I went "up north" and complained about everything and talked about how everything down south was much better you'd tell me to go back where I came from. I could complain about the cornbread, fried catfish and grits but I have more class than that when in another part of our country. Think about it. You moved here by your own choice, 1000 miles or more south and you expect it to be just as it was "up north"????? Don't belittle our state just because it is not the same as "up north" and that is how we like it.

Shimpy - thank you for telling it like it is ................ We have all chosen to live here (for whatever reason) so stop complaining about everything. Personally, I just wish I had been able to come here years ago.

[perrjojo]

What's more rude, telling someone to go back where they came from if they don't like it here, or someone dissing our home state where many of us were born or grew up in and are very proud of? We're tired of hearing how everything "up north" like restaurants, bagels, pizzas, chinese food etc is so much better. I'm sure if I went "up north" and complained about everything and talked about how everything down south was much better you'd tell me to go back where I came from. I could complain about the cornbread, fried catfish and grits but I have more class than that when in another part of our country. Think about it. You moved here by your own choice, 1000 miles or more south and you expect it to be just as it was "up north"????? Don't belittle our state just because it is not the same as "up north" and that is how we like it.
:agree:
I have lived in several states and there is always a segment that has to complain how much better it was where they came from. Not only is it rude, it is silly. When in Rome.......

[dave harris]

What's more rude, telling someone to go back where they came from if they don't like it here, or someone dissing our home state where many of us were born or grew up in and are very proud of? We're tired of hearing how everything "up north" like restaurants, bagels, pizzas, chinese food etc is so much better. I'm sure if I went "up north" and complained about everything and talked about how everything down south was much better you'd tell me to go back where I came from. I could complain about the cornbread, fried catfish and grits but I have more class than that when in another part of our country. Think about it. You moved here by your own choice, 1000 miles or more south and you expect it to be just as it was "up north"????? Don't belittle our state just because it is not the same as "up north" and that is how we like it.

The person just questioned why strawberries are cheaper where they live, than in Florida where they are grown. Why are some people so touchy?

[slipcovers]

Obviously, you need to be a smart shopper, like Madaline Amme has stated, wherever you live. Buying in season produce and watching for weekly specials and stocking up bargains. It takes a bit of time but you are retired.

Anyone that complains about prices in the US should take a trip to Europe and I think they would never complain again.

Strawberries in Ma come from Calif, different price than in Florida. Supply and demand and labor cost is a factor.